Diriyah’s £46.7 Billion Transformation to Become Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Jewel

Diriyah, the historical heart of Saudi Arabia and the birthplace of the Al Saud dynasty, is set for a remarkable transformation with a £46.7 billion investment aimed at establishing it as a premier cultural and tourism hub. Located just 15 minutes from Riyadh, the capital, this expansive project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance cultural offerings.

Project Overview and Progress

The Diriyah giga-project covers an area of 14 square kilometres, approximately the same size as Beverly Hills. According to Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer of Diriyah Company, the project is “on budget and on time,” with around 49,000 workers currently engaged on-site. “Instead of taking 97 years to do Beverly Hills, we’re doing it in 15,” Inzerillo noted, highlighting the ambitious timeline.

Inzerillo has received positive feedback from global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who were impressed by the project’s scale and pace during their visits. He emphasized the importance of the UK’s involvement, stating, “The relationship between the Kingdom and the United Kingdom, diplomatically, commercially, culturally, is extraordinary.” This collaboration is evident in various aspects of the project.

Cultural and Architectural Integration

The project is designed to blend traditional mud-brick Najdi architecture with modern amenities, including luxury hotels, residences, restaurants, parks, and museums, alongside advanced smart-city technologies. Currently, 40 hotels are planned, with substantial investments already made in infrastructure, such as new roads, pavements, and fibre-optic networks. Nearly seven million indigenous plants have been cultivated to enhance the area’s natural beauty.

In an effort to maintain cultural authenticity, developers have handcrafted 10 million mud bricks and implemented strict building codes to ensure that all structures harmonize with the desert landscape. “No one is allowed to use white lights at night,” Inzerillo explained. “Everything has an amber glow. At night, it’s just magic with vibrant activity, music, food, dancing, all under an apricot light.” He described Diriyah as the “largest night-lit UNESCO site in the world.”

The initiative includes a ‘mud academy’ to train craftsmen in traditional construction techniques, ensuring that Diriyah’s historic character is preserved for future generations. Additionally, plans are underway to restore the Wadi Hanifah to its 18th-century state, utilizing advanced water management technologies.

Future Vision and Visitor Expectations

By 2027, the city aims to feature extensive pedestrian-friendly streets, jogging trails, and nearly 5.6 miles of parks, all of which are already in development. The project envisions nine museums, over ten cultural landmarks, and luxury residences designed by renowned brands, including Armani, Corinthia, and Ritz-Carlton. Other prestigious hospitality brands, such as Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, and Aman, are also preparing to establish a presence in Diriyah.

According to Inzerillo, Saudi Arabia has already seen over 100 million visits by the end of 2024, and officials anticipate this number will rise to 150 million annually by 2030, with Diriyah alone expected to attract 50 million visitors and house more than 100,000 permanent residents.

Since the opening of the Bujairi Terrace and the heritage site of At-Turaif in December 2022, Diriyah has welcomed more than 3.6 million visitors. The cultural hub will offer over 566,000 square meters of retail space, more than 150 restaurants and cafes, and 26 dedicated arts and culture centres. An additional highlight will be the Greg Norman–designed Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course, scheduled for completion by 2030.

As part of its broader infrastructure strategy, Saudi Arabia plans to establish the world’s largest airport, expected to cost around £22.2 billion. This airport will feature six parallel runways across 57 square kilometres and is projected to accommodate up to 185 million passengers annually by 2050.

Diriyah represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s vision to marry its rich history with modern development. As the Kingdom invests nearly £722 billion into nationwide infrastructure, Diriyah stands at the forefront, poised to become a cultural beacon where history and contemporary life coexist.